Ta*. 


Monograph  Three 


JAPANESE  DECLARATIONS  AND 
ASSURANCES  RESPECTING 
PARTICIPATION  IN  THE 
EUROPEAN  WAR  IN 
THE  PACIFIC 


All  that  concerns  the  Pacific  Basin — the  theatre  where 
meet  two  great  alien  civilizations 


Asiatic  Institute  Press 
New  York,  November  1914 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/japanesedeclaratOOasia 


INTRODUCTION 


November  8,  1914. 

Japan’s  growth  and  expansion  is  the  principal  Asiatic  factor  in  the  conflict  arising  out 
of  the  contact  of  European  and  Asiatic  civilizations  in  East  Asia  and  the  Pacific  Basin.  On 
account  of  the  disturbances  to  the  relations  between  Western  countries  in  the  Pacific  Basin 
and  countries  of  East  Asia,  especially  to  the  relations  and  affairs  of  Japan  and  the  United 
States  due  to  this  expansion,  and  raised  by  the  extension  of  the  operations  of  the  European 
War  to  those  regions,  representatives  of  the  Japanese  Government  and  of  the  Government 
of  Great  Britain,  the  ally  of  Japan,  have  addressed  various  declarations  and  assurances  to 
the  Government  and  people  of  the  United  States  as  shown  herein.  This  action  is  in  accord- 
ance with  formal  agreement  existing  between  Japan  and  the  United  States  for  free  exchange 
of  views  on  matters  affecting  their  mutual  interests. 

The  solution  of  the  difficulties  existing  between  the  two  civilizations  in  the  Pacific  Basin 
hinges  on  the  question  of  Asiatic  immigration  and  of  expansion.  The  principal  questions 
between  the  United  States  and  Japan  are  those  of  the  treaty  rights  of  Japanese  in  the  United 
States,  including  the  rights  of  land  ownership  and  immigration  residence  and  travel.  Japan’s 
territorial  and  political  expansion  and  the  effect  of  the  European  War  and  other  wars  upon 
it  is  shown  chronologically  by  the  following: 

1874  Japan  by  treaty  secured  China’s  relinquishment  of  the  Loo-choo  Islands. 

1875  Japan  obtained  from  Russia  the  southern  Kurile  Islands  in  exchange  for  the  southern 

half  of  Saghalin. 

1876  Bonin  Islands  in  possession  of  the  Japanese. 

1879  The  Loo-choo  Islands  not  already  included  in  Kagoshima  Perfectorate  incorporated 
into  the  Japanese  Empire. 

1895  Formosa  and  the  Pescadores  ceded  to  Japan. 

1905  Saghalin  conquered  by  the  Japanese.  The  portion  south  of  the  50th  parallel  was 
ceded  to  them  by  Russia.  Port  Arthur  and  Kuangtung  leased  territory  occupied. 
1910  Korea  annexed  by  Japan. 

1914  (October  6)  Jaluit,  dominating  the  Marshall  and  Caroline  Islands,  captured.  (Novem- 
ber 6)  Kiao-Chau  captured. 


ASIATIC  INSTITUTE 


Japanese  Declarations  and  Assurances 
respecting  participation  in  the  European  War  in  the  Pacific 
addressed  to 

the  Government  and  people  of  the  United  States  and  others 


1914 


Count  Okuma,  Premier  in  a cable  dispatch  to  the  East  and  West  News  Bureau,  Brooklyn,  and  to 
Dr.  Toyokichi  Iyenaga.  Dated,  Tokio,  August  15,  1914. 

“ Japan’s  proximity  to  China  breeds  many  absurd  rumors,  but  I declare  that  Japan  acts 
with  a clear  conscience,  in  conformity  with  justice,  and  in  perfect  accord  with  her  ally.  Japan 
has  no  territorial  ambition,  and  hopes  to  stand  as  the  protector  of  peace  in  the  Orient.” 


Japan's  Ultimatum  to  Germany. — From  texts  given  to  the  U.  S.  Government  and  to  the  international 

public  press,  August  16,  1914. 

‘‘We  consider  it  highly  important  and  necessary  in  the  present  situation  to  take  measures 
to  remove  the  causes  of  all  disturbances  of  the  peace  in  the  Far  East,  and  so  safeguard  the 
general  interests  as  contemplated  by  the  agreement  of  alliance  between  Japan  and  Great 
Britain. 

“ In  order  to  secure  a firm  and  enduring  peace  in  Eastern  Asia,  the  establishment  of  which 
is  the  aim  of  the  said  agreement,  the  Imperial  Japanese  Government  sincerely  believes  it  to 
be  its  duty  to  give  the  advice  to  the  Imperial  German  Government  to  carry  out  the  follow- 
ing two  propositions: 

“ First — To  withdraw  immediately  from  Japanese  and  Chinese  waters  German  men-of- 
war  and  armed  vessels  of  all  kinds,  and  to  disarm  at  once  those  which  cannot  be  so  withdrawn. 

“ Second — To  deliver  on  a date  not  later  than  September  15  to  the  Imperial  Japanese 
authorities,  without  condition  or  compensation,  the  entire  leased  territory  of  Kiau-chau, 
with  a view  to  the  eventual  restoration  of  the  same  to  China. 

“ The  Imperial  Japanese  Government  announces  at  the  same  time  that  in  the  event  of 
it  not  receiving  by  noon  on  August  23,  1914,  an  answer  from  the  Imperial  German  Govern- 
ment, signifying  its  unconditional  acceptance  of  the  above  advice  offered  by  the  Imperial 
Japanese  Government,  Japan  will  be  compelled  to  take  such  action  as  she  may  deem  neces- 
sary to  meet  the  situation.” 


Announcement  from  the  British  Official  News  Bureau,  London,  August  17,  1914.  A statement  from  the  British 
Foreign  Office  was  formally  presented  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  Washington,  August  18,  1914,  by 
Colville  Barclay,  Charge  d’  Affaires  of  the  British  Embassy. 

‘‘It  is  understood  that  the  action  of  Japan  will  not  extend  to  the  Pacific  beyond  the 
China  seas,  except  as  may  be  necessary  to  protect  Japanese  shipping  lines  in  the  Pacific,  nor 
in  Asiatic  waters  westward  of  the  China  seas,  nor  in  foreign  territories  except  territory  in 
German  occupation  on  the  Continent  of  Asia.” 


Count  Okuma  in  addressing  a gathering  of  business  men  from  various  parts  of  Japan.  Tokio,  August  18,  1914. 


“ Japan’s  warlike  operations  will  not  extend  beyond  the  limits  necessary  for  the  attain- 
ment of  the  object  of  the  defense  of  her  own  legitimate  interests. 

“ The  Imperial  Government  will  take  no  such  action  as  could  give  to  a third  party  any 
cause  for  anxiety  or  uneasiness  regarding  the  safety  of  their  territories  or  possessions.” 


Japanese  Foreign  Minister  to  the  Secretary  of  State  at  Washington,  August  20,  1914. 

“ From  the  beginning  of  hostilities  between  England  and  Germany  the  latter  has  been 
banding  all  her  energies  to  strengthening  all  the  fortifications  at  Kiau-chau,  even  to  the  extent 
of  enforcing  labor  by  means  of  Chinese  coolies.  Meanwhile,  the  Government’s  squadrons 
stationed  in  the  Far  East  have  been  making  incessant  appearances  in  Chinese  waters,  making 
Kiao-chau  their  base,  and,  in  co-operation  with  German  converted  cruisers,  threatening  and 
interfering  with  British  shipping  and  commerce,  thereby  jeopardizing  and  injuring  to  a con- 
siderable extent  the  commercial  interests  in  general  of  Great  Britain. 

“ In  the  meantime  the  above  action  on  the  part  of  Germany  has  not  failed  to  greatly 
demoralize  the  trade  interests  of  Japan  by  obstructing  and  disturbing  her  shipping  routes 
and  commerce.  In  fact,  the  whole  eastern  commercial  world  has  been  thrown  into  a state  of 
utmost  uneasiness.  Some  of  the  Japanese  merchant  vessels  have  been  detained,  and  all  of 
the  Japanese  import  and  export  cargoes  on  board  German  merchant  vessels  have  been 
requisitioned. 

“ It  is  clear  that  unless  Germany  has  a strong  base  at  Kiao-chau  the  conditions  such  as 
above  outlined  could  never  have  been  produced.  It  is  this  position  of  Kiao-chau  that  is 
solely  responsible  for  it  all;  it  is  the  strongest  weapon  in  the  hands  of  Germany  so  far  as  the 
Far  East  is  concerned. 

“ The  history  of  the  seizure  of  the  place  by  Germany  and  her  conduct  preceding  and 
including  her  intervention,  in  conjunction  with  Russia  and  France,  after  the  China- Japanese 
War,  show  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  eliminate  such  possession  completely  if  Japan 
is  to  restore  immediately  complete  peace  in  the  Far  East  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of 
the  Anglo- Japanese  alliance.  If  Japan  is  to  look  far  enough  into  the  future  and  adopt  meas- 
ures to  insure  an  abiding  peace  in  Eastern  Asia  she  must  realize  that  a strong  military  base 
in  the  hands  of  a hostile  militant  power  right  in  the  heart  of  the  country  cannot  in  itself  fail 
to  be  a menacing  factor.” 


Copy  of  the  Declaration  of  War,  delivered  by  Viscount  Chinda  to  Robert  Lansing,  Counselor  of  the  State 

Department,  August  23,1914,  2 P.  M. 

“ Issued  at  Tokio,  August  23,  6 P.  M. 

“ We,  by  the  grace  of  Heaven,  Emperor  of  Japan,  seated  on  the  throne  occupied  by  the 
same  dynasty  from  time  immemorial,  do  hereby  make  the  following  proclamation  to  all  our 
loyal  and  brave  subjects: 

“ We  hereby  declare  war  against  Germany,  and  we  command  our  army  and  navy  to 
carry  on  hostilities  against  that  empire  with  their  strength,  and  we  also  command  our  com- 
petent authorities  to  make  every  effort,  in  pursuance  of  their  respective  duties,  to  attain  the 
national  aim  by  all  means  within  the  limits  of  the  law  of  nations. 


“ Since  the  outbreak  of  the  present  war  in  Europe,  the  calamitous  effect  of  which  we 
view  with  grave  concern,  we  on  our  part  have  entertained  hopes  of  preserving  the  peace  of 
the  Far  East  by  the  maintenance  of  strict  neutrality,  but  the  action  of  Germany  has  at  length 
compelled  Great  Britain,  our  ally,  to  open  hostilities  against  that  country,  and  Germany  is 
at  Kiao-Chau,  its  leased  territory  in  China,  busy  with  warlike  preparations,  while  its  armed 
vessels  cruising  the  seas  of  Eastern  Asia  are  threatening  our  commerce  and  that  of  our  ally. 
Peace  of  the  Far  East  is  thus  in  jeopardy. 

“ Accordingly  our  Government  and  that  of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  after  full  and  frank 
communication  with  each  other,  agreed  to  take  such  measures  as  may  be  necessary  for  the 
protection  of  the  general  interests  contemplated  in  the  Agreement  of  Alliance,  and  we  on  our 
part,  being  desirous  to  attain  that  object  by  peaceful  means,  commanded  our  Government 
to  offer  with  sincerity  an  advice  to  the  Imperial  German  Government.  By  the  last  day 
appointed  for  the  purpose,  however,  our  Government  failed  to  receive  an  answer  accepting 
their  advice.  It  is  with  profound  regret  that  we,  in  spite  of  our  ardent  devotion  to  the  cause 
of  peace,  are  thus  compelled  to  declare  war,  especially  at  this  early  period  of  our  reign  and 
while  we  are  still  in  mourning  for  our  lamented  mother. 

“ It  is  our  earnest  wish  that  by  the  loyalty  and  valor  of  our  faithful  subjects  peace  may 
soon  be  restored  and  the  glory  of  the  Empire  be  enhanced.” 


Japanese  Premier’s  Message  to  the  American  people. — Cabled  to  The  Independent  magazine,  New  York,  by 

Count  Okuma,  August  24,  1914. 

“ I gladly  seize  the  opportunity  to  send,  through  the  medium  of  The  Independent,  a 
message  to  the  people  of  the  United  States,  who  have  always  been  helpful  and  loyal  friends 
of  Japan. 

“ It  is  my  desire  to  convince  your  people  of  the  sincerity  of  my  Government  and  of  my 
people  in  all  their  utterances  and  assurances  connected  with  the  present  regrettable  situation 
in  Europe  and  the  Far  East. 

“ Every  sense  of  loyalty  and  honor  oblige  Japan  to  co-operate  with  Great  Britain  to  clear 
from  these  waters  the  enemies  who  in  the  past,  the  present  and  the  future  menace  her  inter- 
ests, her  trade,  her  shipping,  and  her  people’s  lives. 

“ This  Far  Eastern  situation  is  not  of  our  seeking. 

“ It  was  ever  my  desire  to  maintain  peace,  as  will  be  amply  proved;  as  President  of 
the  Peace  Society  of  Japan  I have  consistently  so  endeavored. 

“ I have  read  with  admiration  the  lofty  message  of  President  Wilson  to  his  people  on  the 
subject  of  neutrality. 

“ We,  of  Japan,  are  appreciative  of  the  spirit  and  motives  that  promoted  the  head  of  your 
great  nation,  and  we  feel  confident  that  his  message  will  meet  with  a national  response. 

“As  Premier  of  Japan,  I have  stated  and  I now  again  state  to  the  people  of  America  and 
of  the  world  that  Japan  has  no  ulterior  motive,  no  desire  to  secure  more  territory,  no  thought  of 
depriving  China  or  other  peoples  of  anything  which  they  now  possess. 

“ My  Government  and  my  people  have  given  their  word  and  their  pledge,  which  will 
be  as  honorably  kept  as  Japan  always  keeps  promises. — Okuma.” 


Note  of  blockade  of  Kiao-Chau  signed  by  Vice-Admiral  Kato,  cabled  to  the  Japanese  Embassy, 

Washington,  August  28,  1914. 

“ I hereby  declare  that  on  this  27th  day  of  August,  1914,  the  entire  coast  extending  from 
120  degrees  10  minutes  east  and  35  degrees  54  minutes  north  to  123  degrees  16  minutes  east 
and  36  degrees  7 minutes  north  (the  entire  coast  of  the  leased  territory  of  Kiao-Chau)  has  been 
placed  in  a state  of  blockade  by  a complete  force  of  his  Imperial  Japanese  Majesty’s  ships 
under  my  command,  and  that  the  said  blockade  continues  in  force,  and  further,  that  the 
neutral  vessels  in  the  zone  of  blockade  are  allowed  twenty-four  hours  within  which  to  with- 
draw from  the  said  zone. 

“ Any  vessel  that  attempts  to  violate  the  blockade  will  be  dealt  with  in  conformity  to  the 
law  of  nations  and  the  respective  treaties  between  the  Empire  of  Japan  and  the  neutral  powers. 

“ Given  on  board  his  Imperial  Japanese  Majesty’s  ship  Suo,  this  27th  day  of  August, 
1914.” 


Official  statement  issued  by  the  Navy  Department,  Tokio,  October  6,  1914. 

“ The  Japanese  squadron  delegated  to  destroy  the  German  fleet  in  the  South  Seas  has 
landed  bluejackets  on  Jaluit  Island,  the  seat  of  Government  in  the  Marshall  Archipelago, 
which  was  annexed  by  Germany  in  1886. 

‘‘It  is  believed  the  German  base  was  destroyed,  and  that  the  fortifications,  arms,  and 
ammunition  were  seized.  A British  steamer  in  port  was  released.  There  was  no  resistance 
to  the  Japanese.” 


Official  statement  by  the  Japanese  Embassy,  Washington,  October  6,  1914. 

“ The  Japanese  Embassy  has  just  received  an  official  cablegram  from  Tokio  practically 
confirming  the  report  of  the  destroying  of  the  military  establishments  on  Jaluit  Island,  one 
of  the  German  bases  in  the  Marshall  Archipelago,  which  appeared  as  a Tokio  Telegram  in 
a morning  paper. 

“ In  the  above  connection,  it  may  be  recalled  that  the  German  men-of-war  have  been 
making  their  appearance  in  the  Pacific  and  the  South  Seas  and  have  been  disturbing  the 
shipping  routes  ever  since  the  outbreak  of  the  present  war.  This  fact  at  last  compelled  the 
allied  fleets  of  Japan  and  Great  Britain  to  decide  upon  expeditionary  measures  to  keep  the 
routes  clear,  as  was  recently  reported  in  the  press.  In  the  light  of  this  fact  it  may  be  safely 
concluded  that  the  action  taken  by  a portion  of  the  Japanese  expeditionary  squadron  above 
referred  to  is  nothing  but  a step  toward  the  fulfillment  of  the  expeditionary  mission.” 


Vice-Minister  of  the  Navy,  Suzuki  speaking  November  7 oj  the  future  of  Tsing-tau.  Statement  given  out 

to  the  press,  Tokio,  November  7,  1914. 

“ While  the  European  War  continues  Tsing-tau  will  be  administered  by  Japan.  At 
the  conclusion  of  the  war  Japan  will  open  negotiations  with  China.” 


Official  statement  issued  at  Sydney,  November  18,  1914,  by  Mr.  Pearce.  ( Dispatch  to  The  London  Morning  Post.) 

“ The  Japanese  Government  has  intimated  to  the  British  Government  that  it  is  ready 
to  hand  over  the  Marshall  and  other  German  islands  in  the  Pacific,  which  are  temporarily 
occupied  by  the  Japanese,  to  an  Australian  force.  The  British  Government  has  informed 
the  Japanese  Government  of  its  intention  to  act  accordingly.  A special  Australian  force 
will  be  dispatched  to  the  islands  and  will  remain  in  occupation  until  the  termination  of  the 
war,  when  the  matter  of  the  ultimate  disposal  of  the  islands  will  be  a question  for  considera- 
tion by  the  allied  powers. 

“ As  the  Federal  Government  will  have  the  responsibility  for  the  occupation  of  islands 
it  is  necessary  that  not  only  the  military  occupation,  but  such  matters  as  trade,  food  supply, 
and  postal  and  commercial  affairs  be  investigated  and  organized.  Commander  Pethebridge 
will  accompany  the  force  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements.” 


